I find that particularly interesting because one can import just about any Chinese Android-based phone into the U.S. and hack away to their heart's content, without fear of boot ROM locks and illegally obtained radio firmware. Granted, you won't have access to the Market and official Google apps, but if you're wanting your own custom Android phone you'll find alternatives to those or compile your own anyway.

Short of buying an N900 (and as much as I like my Android, I still want one), it's as close to a truly open phone as you can get right now.